St. George Church in Sighnaghi

The church stands on a slight rise beside the road in the lower Old Town. A rectangular structure with stone masonry below and brick above. The eastern and western facades are capped with pediments featuring two arched niches and a relief cross in the tympanum. The longitudinal facades of the central nave are separated by flat arches. Above the central nave sits a small arched belvedere.

Inside – a recently whitewashed single-aisle hall. The main accent is a new grey iconostasis with clean, restrained design. Three entrances: west, south, and north. The proportions are subtle and harmonious. Behind the church is a small garden.

The freestanding circular bell tower built of stone is one of Sighnaghi's recognizable landmarks. It adjoins the fortress wall and serves as a reference point when walking through the lower town. Nearby – a viewpoint overlooking the Alazani Valley.

Architecture – 19th-century hall church with fragmented facades creating the illusion of a three-nave basilica

Bell tower – freestanding circular stone-and-brick tower integrated into the fortress wall

Location – 730 m elevation, in the lower Old Town beside the fortress perimeter

Iconostasis – new grey iconostasis with a clean design, contrasting with whitewashed walls

Views – Alazani Valley panorama from the churchyard

St. George Church was built in the 19th century, during the period of Russian imperial rule in Georgia. The exact construction date is not established. The church follows Georgian ecclesiastical building traditions but with borrowings typical of the era: combined stone and brick masonry, pediment-topped facades, and arched niches. It served as the parish church for residents of the lower part of Sighnaghi.

During the Soviet period, the church, like most in Georgia, was closed or repurposed. After Georgia regained independence (1991), the church was returned to the Georgian Orthodox Church. During Sighnaghi's restoration in the 2000s–2010s, the building was renovated: walls whitewashed, a new iconostasis installed, and the surrounding area landscaped. Today it is an active parish church.

From central Sighnaghi:

– Walk downhill from the central square – 5–10 minutes. The church is visible from the road.

From Tbilisi (110 km, 1.5–2 hours):

– Marshrutka from Samgori metro to Sighnaghi – 10 GEL (~$3.50), then walk

– Taxi – 100–150 GEL (~$35–55)

On site:

The church is beside the road in the lower part of town. Landmark: the round bell tower by the fortress wall.

Season: Year-round. The church is part of the Sighnaghi walking route and convenient in any weather.

Duration: 15–20 minutes for a visit. Combine with a walk along the fortress wall and town center.

Time of day: Morning or late afternoon provides the best light for photographing the bell tower and valley views.